In 1997, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) started negotiations with Manitoba Hydro to jointly develop a hydroelectric generating station at Taskinigup Falls on the Burntwood River within the Nelson House Resource Management Area. NCN had significant input into the development of the project's environmental impact statement, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific knowledge.
Manitoba Hydro and NCN signed a non-binding Agreement-in-Principle for the project in September 2001 that provided for an equity partnership in the project if NCN elected to exercise the option. The negotiations between the two parties resulted in a Summary of Understanding which formed the outline of the Project Development Agreement (PDA).
NCN members voted to ratify the The PDA which was formally signed on June 26, 2006 by representatives of Manitoba Hydro and NCN Chief and Council. Following the signing of the PDA, the Wuskwatim Power Limited Partnership (WPLP) was legally established and Manitoba Hydro and NCN became official business partners. NCN has the opportunity to own up to 33 per cent of the Wuskwatim Generating Station.
Manitoba Hydro and NCN are proud of their cooperative approach to planning the project, which included the combining of traditional knowledge with scientific knowledge towards the environmental assessment studies. This process has included:
